In light of a project that will take place over the August bank holiday weekend I Spent the other day trying to convince members of the Lincoln authorities that playing table tennis poses no risk to the public, can you imagine the headlines? Death by ping pong ball’ seriously though, it’s difficult to try and explain and dispel safety fears when in the back of your mind, the risk seems non-existent. But I guess it highlights the bureaucratic and health and safety policy approach of doing about things these days.
We found out the other day that our Arts Council application has been successful, which accompanied with funding from Lincolnshire County Council, means we are now able to do the projects that we have spent the previous months planning and arranging. Having a positive funding letter arrive on your doorstep is both exhilarating, and relieving, the idea of contacting artists who you have developed a project with and telling them that we haven’t got the money would be hard, especially as many artists rely heavily on commission fees in which to make a living, so I’m glad I don’t have to write those emails (not in 2010 anyway!)
We are on the verge of being given an office space in Lincoln city centre, due to Lincoln University giving us a space that used to be student art shop before it closed a few years ago. The space should provide us with a space in which to work from, as well as being one of Lincolns first artist led spaces, which can only benefit the students who are studying their BA’s fine art courses next door. A word should go out to an old Uni tutor John Plowman, who has guided us through various potential mine field meetings with ‘estates’ and health and safety officers. The lease is due to be signed within 10 days. Fingers crossed.
We are getting there…
Alan
